NEWSWIRE

CANADA vs USA - AUTY CUP | DAY 1

Canada continued to assert its cricket dominace over the USA as the Auty Cup 2 day match got underway from the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club (141 Wilson Avenue).

The Auty Cup is recognized as the oldest international sporting fixture in the world, being first played between Canada and the USA in 1844.

Winning the toss and putting Canada into bat on a track that was sure to provide some entertaining cricket, the American bowlers did reasonably well to keep the Canadian 1st innings within reach. After a somewhat cautious start Canada steadily progressed to a first innings total of 239 for 4 from 45 overs. Canadian opener Hiral Patel continued his strong festival form compiling a well molded 75 from 85 balls and held key partnerships with Khurshroo Wadia (37) and Rustam Bhatti (53). The innings climaxed with an explosive knock from Nitish Kumar (58 from 45) which included some classic offside stroke play and a massive six, played on the rise, which landed on Wilson Avenue.

The American innings started with some confusion as poor running between the wickets and some sharp Canadian fielding claimed the first two US batsmen. The rest of the top order had little answer to the bowling of Canadian seamers Khurram Chohan (3-40 from 11 Overs) and Manny Aulakh on debut (1-46 from 10 overs).

The only substantial resistance came from the US skipper Jignesh Desai (43) and bowling allrounder Bim George (31) as the US were all out for 166 in 42.4 overs.

Canada head into day 2 holding a convincing 73 run lead and will look to continue their strong from.

This new and exciting 2 day format gives each team two innings of 45 overs each. Second day's play commences Tuesday at 9:30am and will complete by 4:30pm.